Tears of joy at Tribunal decision (from The Scottish Episcopal Institute)
The Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness and
Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church attended an Immigration Tribunal in
Glasgow on Friday 14 September where he spoke on behalf of two
members of the Cathedral Congregation in Inverness, Ellen and Russell
Felber.
The Felbers, who came to Inverness from the USA, had found themselves at
odds with the Home Office as they applied for the Right to Remain in
Scotland.
To their astonishment (which was shared by those who know them) they had
been told to leave the UK which meant not only leaving their home and the
community in which they have been welcomed and in which they have
developed friendships but also leaving behind the B&B business they had
successfully developed since their arrival in Inverness.
Bishop Mark says “This process has taken many months and during that
time I have witnessed the effect it has had on both Ellen and Russell and on
the health of Ellen.
I was surprised to be allowed to speak on their behalf in what was a very
formal process, but it was a privilege to do so and also to be able to support
Russell, in particular, through this difficult and challenging day.
“The decision by the Tribunal on Friday to allow them to remain in Scotland
was received amidst tears and smiles and I am sure that Ellen’s response
through her bell ringing (Ellen is one of the Cathedral’s bell ringers) will
speak louder than words in expressing the joy at the decision of the
Tribunal.”
Inspires online
For news of activities and events across the seven dioceses of the Scottish
Episcopal Church, check out the diocesan websites:
Aberdeen & Orkney
www.aberdeen.anglican.org
Argyll & The Isles
www.argyll.anglican.org
Brechin
www.brechin.anglican.org
Edinburgh
www.edinburgh.anglican.org
Glasgow & Galloway
www.glasgow.anglican.org
Moray, Ross & Caithness
www.morayepiscopalchurch.scot
St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane
www.standrews.anglican.org
Pisky.Scot is the online magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Register with Pisky.Scot (it’s free)and you’ll receive regular updates of the
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